Democrats support Chelsea's Law as well

Past GOP efforts have stalled without bipartisan push

Sheriff Bill Gore speaks as Brent and Kelly King listen on one side and Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher on the other. They gathered at Lindbergh Field on the way to Sacramento to introduce Chelsea's Law.
— Howard Lipin

Sheriff Bill Gore speaks as Brent and Kelly King listen on one side and Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher on the other. They gathered at Lindbergh Field on the way to Sacramento to introduce Chelsea's Law.
— Howard Lipin

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Key Democrats from the San Diego area have joined forces with Republican Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher to press for passage of “Chelsea’s Law.”

They could play an instrumental role given legislative history. At times, tough-on-crime legislation from the GOP has stalled in the Democrat-controlled legislature when lacking bipartisan support.

“Speaking as a mother and grandmother, you cannot put a price tag on this particular type of crime. First and foremost we have to protect our children,” said Assemblywoman Mary Salas, D-Chula Vista.

Assemblyman Marty Block, D-San Diego, added, “Once they’re convicted, in cases like these, the best thing you can do is lock them up and throw away the key.”

Salas and Block joined Fletcher, of San Diego, at a Capitol news conference Monday to support Chelsea’s Law, Assembly Bill 1844.

Chelsea’s grieving parents, Kelly and Brent King, were there to promote the measure, which they say could help prevent future tragedies.

The legislation targets sexual predators who attack children. New penalties include life sentences for the worst crimes and doubling of some prison terms. It also includes a ban on entering parks where children gather without prior permission of authorities.

Chelsea King was allegedly raped and murdered by John Albert Gardner III, who in 2000 had been convicted of molesting a 13-year-old Rancho Bernardo girl. He spent five years in prison, and was discharged from supervision after completing three years on parole in 2008. He has pleaded not guilty.

Also endorsing the bill were Republicans representing the San Diego County area, including Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth of Temecula, Sen. Mark Wyland of Solana Beach and Assemblyman Martin Garrick of Solana Beach.